There’s still time to test for radon

Although January is nearly over, there’s still time to take action during National Radon Action Month and test the air of your workplace, home, or school for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is produced from a natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It enters buildings through cracks in floors and walls, construction joints or gaps around service pipes, electrical wires, and sump pits.

Radon is linked to thousands of lung cancer cases in the United States, and 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

EPA recommends:

Testing your home for radon. You can purchase a radon test kit and/or contact your state radon program for more information.

Reminding friends and neighbors to test for radon. Radon levels can vary within the same neighborhood.

Fixing your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced.